Over €225,000 Raised To Fight Homelessness In YMCA Malta’s First-Ever Marathon
Following their first-ever 12-hour fundraising marathon, a whopping €225,028 has been raised for YMCA Malta to help the NGO continue its tireless work with supporting homeless people on the island.
Their donations during the marathon came from over 8,000 individuals and companies who sought to further support YMCA’s Social Work Services.
The NGO provides a roof and somewhere to stay for homeless people and is currently caring for 34 individuals, which is their maximum capacity, at Dar Niki Cassar in Msida.
Over 1,500 individuals have sought out help from the YMCA over the last few years – and that doesn’t include individuals who sought out help at others organisations, showing how widespread yet hidden the issue remains.
In some cases, individuals as young as 12 may resort to prostitution to survive.
In the last year; 230 reported to the YMCA because of financial issues, 147 cases because of renting problems, 146 ended homeless because of family issues, 91 cases were terminated from previous accommodations, 53 cases lost their jobs, 31 cases had to leave their household because of domestic violence, 21 cases particularly because of consequences brought by COVID-19 pandemic and the list goes on touching different homelessness pathways.
YMCA’s work with homeless people includes supporting the positive development of youths to prevent them from ending up homeless. They also offer a spectrum of social work services to individuals who are underprivileged or socially disadvantaged.
In this regard, their specialisation is the support, assistance and reintegration of the homeless in Malta.
Their marathon yesterday offered an excellent way for people to recognise the importance of not judging others since behind each person there is a unique story and anyone can go through these tough situations.
The importance of helping others financially and being aware of the realities of the people around us became key highlights of the marathon, with the need to support one another becoming a crucial part of our society – especially in these difficult times.
Supporting our NGOs has become especially crucial during the COVID-19 pandemic, where the need for the services of these vital groups has risen while the amount of donations and funds they are able to gather has decreased due to people looking to save their funds.
“Despite all the hardships brought on us by the pandemic”, YMCA Malta’s Chief Executive Officer, Anthony Camilleri highlighted. “The local community has once again come together to support the most vulnerable and those who are going through the traumatic experiences and difficulties which homelessness and rooflessness bring”.
“This show of unity and compassion gives us the strength and motivation we need, to continue supporting and advocating for a more just society.”
YMCA Malta is still receiving donations via the same telephone numbers provided during the marathon; €15 – 5170 2068, €25 – 5180 2007, €50 – 21902073 or €100 – 5130 2020 until the end of June 2021.
Kerry Hermitage, Head of the Residential Program for YMCA Malta, recently appeared on Lovin Daily to discuss what the YMCA does, and why it needs more financial support.
https://www.facebook.com/LovinMalta/videos/176052717665595
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